In The News

Saxophone player known as the Big Man passes away

Saxophone player known as the Big Man passes away

Saxophone player Clarence Clemons, who was the Big Man in Bruce Spingsteen’s E Street Band, has died. He was 69.

Mr. Clemons was an original and oldest member of the band and was regarded as being a key influence on Springsteen’s music with his booming saxophone solos becoming a signature sound of the E Street Band.

He also played with a wide range of bands — including the Grateful Dead and Ringo Starr’s All Star Band.

He also recorded with many singers including Roy Orbison, Aretha Franklin and more recently Lady GaGa.

In 1981 he had formed his own band, the Red Bank Rockers, and released an album Rescue. His next album, Hero, featured a duet with Jackson Browne, You’re a Friend of Mine, which became a hit.

When Springsteen reformed the E Street Bank in 1999, Mr. Clemons returned for the reunion tour and the recording of The Rising (2002).

However, he was beginning to experience serious health issues.

He joked in recent years that he had been left “totally bionic” following the many operations he had undergone including major spinal surgery and also knee replacements.

He died in hospital in Florida after suffering a stroke at his home.

Among the many tributes was one from his old friend Bruce Springsteen. 

He said: “He was my great friend and my partner. With Clarence at my side my band and I were able to tell a story far deeper than those simply contained in our music. His life, his memory and his love will live on in that story and in our band.”

To see Clarence Clemons play click here.

 

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